Pregabalin Misuse and Abuse in Jordan: a Qualitative Study of User Experiences.

Pregabalin is currently approved for the treatment of epilepsy, generalized anxiety disorder, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. A qualitative study was undertaken in Jordan, where concerns have been raised about its unprescribed availability in community pharmacies and thereby its abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all patients with a history of pregabalin use in two Jordanian addiction treatment centers. All were male patients aged 21-30 years ( n  = 11). The majority was poly-drug abusers and had a previous history of substance abuse (tramadol, Captagon, synthetic cannabinoids, and marijuana) . Six key themes emerged from a content textual analysis which centered on pregabalin and other drugs ; the pregabalin effect ; poly-pharming and pregabalin intoxication ; trajectories , patterns , and routes of administration ; dependence and withdrawal ; and sourcing of pregabalin . The study underscores the need for continued pharmacovigilance to manage and address suspected abuse, along with community pharmacist and patient education regarding abuse liability and related harms.